The National Blood Service
has commended MTN Ghana Foundation and CalBank for their landmark partnership
during the 2026 Save a Life blood donation drive that resulted in the collection
of 7,020 units of blood, surpassing their ambitious 7,000-unit target.
Shirley Phyllis
Owusu-Ofori, CEO of the National Blood Service, applauded MTN’s unwavering
support, describing it as a “game changer” for Ghana’s healthcare sector and
expressing appreciation for MTN’s partnership with CalBank. “Our vision is to
create a system built entirely upon voluntary blood donation, since regular
voluntary donors represent the safest and most reliable blood supply. I am
genuinely gratified by the MTN Ghana Foundation’s ongoing dedication over the
years to advancing the internationally recognised gold standard in blood
donation,” she stated.
The nationwide blood
donation exercise, aimed at strengthening the reserves of the National Blood
Service and regional hospitals across all 16 regions of Ghana, took place on
Friday, February 13, 2026. A total of 47 designated donation centers were
activated nationwide, with major hubs in Accra at MTN House, the CalBank Head
Office, and the MobileMoney LTD Office (Stanchart Building).
Reflecting on his
personal experience prior to the exercise, Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana,
highlighted the significance of blood donation noting “We all understand that a
reliable blood supply is essential for managing emergencies, disaster
preparedness and maintaining high standards of healthcare. Even routine medical
procedures can become hazardous if blood is not readily available”
Mr. Blewett, while
acknowledging the ambitious initial 7,000-unit goal, challenged MTN Ghana
customers and the wider public to aim for 10,000 units, a challenge that MTN
expects to achieve with its partners in subsequent campaigns.
The CEO of CalBank,
Carl Asem, described the collaboration as a natural alignment of shared values,
stressing that the private sector’s responsibility must extend beyond financial
services to safeguarding human life.
“This is not just
corporate social responsibility. We are actively strengthening Ghana’s public
health infrastructure. CalBank is fully committed to growing this initiative
into an even more impactful annual intervention,” he stated.
Reflecting on the
remarkable success of the exercise, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and
Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, emphasised the significance of this
inaugural partnership between institutions. She commended the unwavering
commitment and enthusiasm of staff volunteers and Ghanaians whose efforts were
pivotal in achieving the campaign’s goals.
“We are all acutely
aware of the urgent need for blood in hospitals. Donating blood can save a life
tomorrow, perhaps even your own or that of someone close to you. Meaningful
change is seldom achieved in isolation and our partnership with CalBank truly
made a tangible difference. It is this spirit of unity and collaboration that
forms the foundation of a thriving nation,” she concluded.
The MTN Foundation
will continue to strengthen its corporate collaborations to encourage voluntary
blood donations to further fortify Ghana’s national blood reserves, ensuring
that even more lives can be saved through collective action and generosity.
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